Turner Veterinary Clinic News
It's Flea and Tick Season
Fleas 101
Fleas are wingless insects with a lifespan ranging from 14 days to one year. Although tiny in size and not always visible to the human eyes, fleas can jump as high as two feet. They can’t survive and reproduce without a living host. The following symptoms are common indications of fleas or ticks in dogs and cats:
- Droppings that resemble grains of sand or tiny white eggs on the fur
- Excessive biting, licking, or scratching
- Fur loss
- Gums appear pale
- Tapeworm
- Scabs and hot spots
- Allergies
You’re most likely to spot these blood-sucking parasites on your pet’s head, neck, ears, and feet. Ticks live in tall brush and grass, making it easy to jump onto your pet’s body. Unfortunately, indoors pets aren’t immune from ticks since they can get into the house from another pet or a person.
Dogs and cats typically don’t show obvious signs of a tick bite. To make matters worse, you often can’t see them until they have become engorged with your pet’s blood. In the meantime, they can transmit diseases such as tick paralysis, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. If your pet goes outside, we recommend running your hands the entire length of his body every night. Be sure to check the underside for ticks as well.
Preventing Fleas and Ticks
You can reduce the flea and tick population in your yard by mowing the lawn frequently and picking up rake clippings and other yard waste. Using a flea comb and doing a tick check daily is the best way to ensure that these parasites don’t have a chance to do serious damage. We also recommend washing your pet’s bedding and toys in hot water weekly.
Dr. Huelsbergen is happy to recommend the most effective flea and tick prevention products based on your pet’s species and lifestyle. Keep in mind that we also offer a range of flea and tick products in our online store.
Categories
Recent Posts
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But for pet owners, they can also be a time to spoil their furry friends! There are so many ways to make your pet's holiday season special. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the best ways to spoil your pet this year. From gift ideas to treats to activities, we have you covered!
One of the most rewarding things about being a pet owner is knowing that you've given an animal a loving home for the rest of their days. And what could be more rewarding than giving a senior pet a "new leash on life"? Senior pets are often passed over in favor of puppies and kittens, but they have so much to offer! Here are five reasons to consider adopting a senior pet today:
Just like humans, our pets can suffer from obesity. As pet owners, it's our responsibility to make sure our animal companions stay at a healthy weight. Not only does obesity limit your pet's mobility, but it can also lead to a host of health problems and make your pet more susceptible to disease. Here's what you need to know about pet obesity and how to prevent it.
When our pets are sick or injured, they can’t tell us where it hurts or how they feel. However, there are subtle signs that can help you determine when your pet isn’t feeling well. Knowing how to recognize these hidden signs of pain is essential for getting your pet the help they need and improving their comfort.
Is your pet constantly scratching? Pets can suffer from various skin issues that can cause extreme discomfort. Some pets may develop skin irritation as a result of allergies, while other pets may be itchy from fleas or other parasites. To provide your pet some itch relief, you’ll need to know what to look for and what is causing your pet’s problem.